Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 269 I am the number one corrupt official in the Great Zhou Dynasty!
The "Treatise on Officials" in the New Book of Tang states: "The duties of the prime minister are to assist the emperor, oversee all officials, and manage all affairs; his responsibilities are heavy."

To assist the emperor, lead all officials, and govern all affairs!
This is the core responsibility of the Grand Chancellor.

Every word and action of his is related to national policy and politics. He can be called the pillar of the country, the central hub of politics, and the foundation of policy.

Therefore, the safety and well-being of the Grand Chancellor are crucial to the stability of the nation and the peace of the country.

Assassinating a high-ranking official is tantamount to plotting rebellion.

To assassinate the Grand Chancellor would naturally be even more extreme.

However, no one expected that someone would actually dare to assassinate the Grand Chancellor.

In particular, the assassination attempt on Jiang Zhao—this thirty-two-year-old Grand Chancellor, a favorite minister of two generations, a pillar of the state, and the son of the emperor!

Firstly, according to the penal code, the crime of assassinating an important official is invariably a first-class serious offense.

The sheer number of crimes recorded is enough to make even the most rebellious person tremble with fear.

Secondly, Jiang Zhao's position is rather special.

As the sole core figure of the reform movement, Jiang Zhao was crucial to the fate of the nation and was an irreplaceable and important person, highly valued by the emperor.

If someone commits assassination, the punishment will certainly be more severe than the criminal law.

Thirdly, Jiang Zhao was concerned about the country and its people, and his whereabouts were always relatively stable. He was basically in the Imperial Study, or the Hall of State Affairs or the Zhaowen Hall.

Without exception, their movements were always within top-tier core areas, leaving virtually no opportunity for assassination.

However, unexpectedly, someone actually dared to attempt the assassination.

Moreover, it was an open assassination attempt!
As expected, the entire court was shaken, and the emperor was furious!
The emperor was so angry that he laid down millions of corpses.

The masterminds of assassinations were all executed along with their entire families; accomplices were executed along with their entire families; and those who informed on others were implicated along with their entire families, stripped of their titles, and demoted to commoners.

A rough calculation shows that twenty-three military and noble families had their titles stripped, affecting nearly ten thousand people.

The severity of the crime and the harshness of the punishment are extremely rare in the history of China!

In an instant, from top to bottom, from the common people to the imperial court, everyone was greatly shocked.

The leaves of the parasol tree fall, and the fragrance of osmanthus fills the air.

September 13th, the fourth year of the Xifeng era.

Royal study room.

A ruler and a minister sat facing each other.

"730,000 soldiers?"

Zhao Ceying picked up the document and couldn't help but be surprised.

This is the actual number of registered military personnel according to the military reform statistics.

Since the crimes of more than ten纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy and powerful families) were established, the Deputy Privy Councilor, Duke Gan, was beheaded, twenty-three households of military and noble families were stripped of their titles, nearly one-sixth of the hereditary titles were lost, and even five households of hereditary dukes were implicated.

The deterrent power it contains is certainly not to be underestimated.

Especially since the first year of the Xifeng reign, the Emperor and Jiang Zhao, one the ruler and the other the minister, have been quite ruthless in their actions.

He was demoted from Grand Secretary, deposed and installed Empress, removed from the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and punished for his actions against the water system of Liangzhe.
All of this shows how ruthless they are!

Naturally, the noble families and military leaders were intimidated by him and became unusually low-key.

Subsequently, Gu Tingye and Wang Shao were appointed to fill vacancies and take charge of the Privy Council, which made the implementation of military reforms go without any resistance.

In just over forty days, the Privy Council submitted the relevant documents on military census statistics.

but
"That's incredibly greedy!"

730,000 people!
It even includes some elderly, weak, sick and disabled people.

"They're really brave!"

Zhao Ceying squinted and shook his head.

The figure of 730,000 was truly beyond his expectations.

Before the military reform, the official statistics showed that there were more than 1.1 million soldiers registered.

The actual number was only 730,000?

The difference between the two is nearly 400,000 soldiers.

In other words, nearly one-third of the reported military service registrations were missing.

One of the three volumes of military records is filled with forged and embezzled "fake" records.

It’s simply appalling!

"The Imperial Guards in the capital region and those on the frontier are better, with eight or nine out of ten having genuine military records; the Imperial Guards in the local areas are less strictly supervised, with only five or six out of ten having genuine records."

Jiang Zhao appeared completely unsurprised and calmly said, "This level of embezzlement is within expectations."

"More than 30% is missing, which is still within expectations?" Zhao Ceying looked over and clicked his tongue.

In summary, a full third is missing.

The extent of this embezzlement is truly appalling.

This is different from the nature of local large clans' hidden land.

The fact that powerful local clans owned land affected tax revenue, which in turn indirectly influenced national strength through tax collection.

False military registration can directly affect the course of a war.

Imagine if the enemy country sent 100,000 troops, and the Privy Council also decided to send 100,000 troops, one against one hundred thousand.

As a result, the actual number of people entering the border was only 60,000 to 70,000, which suddenly became 60,000 to 70,000 against 100,000.

What else is there to fight?
They dared to embezzle even military registers, which affect the course of war, and even dared to embezzle a full third of them. This shows that military officers and nobles are incredibly audacious.

Jiang Zhao sat down with his hands at his sides and said calmly, "Human desires lead to greed."

"Civil officials hoard land, and military generals hoard military registers; both are forms of greed. The only difference is that some are petty thieves, while others are not great thieves throughout history."

"If they dared to assassinate even the Grand Chancellor, it's no wonder they embezzled a little bit of military register."

Zhao Ceying was taken aback.

That seems to be true!

but
Petty corruption, or big corruption?
This idea, however, is quite novel.

Zhao Ceying looked over and asked curiously, "What is petty greed, and what is big greed?"

"Everyone is greedy, even your ministers are greedy."

Jiang Zhao, with an air of unquestioning confession, slowly said, "It varies from person to person. Greed has different degrees, and I am a typical example of a great greedy person."

"Small greed is for short-term gains and material possessions; great greed is for the sake of making the emperor as wise and virtuous as Yao and Shun, and for the sake of a name that will last for ten thousand generations."

Just making empty promises all the time!

"That's it!"

Zhao Ceying suddenly understood and nodded repeatedly.

Well, I am greedy too, and extremely greedy!

I am the number one corrupt official in the Great Zhou Dynasty, and Minister Jiang is the second most corrupt official in the Great Zhou Dynasty!

Jiang Zhao pondered for a moment, not lingering on the topic of "great corruption".

Even when drawing a picture of a pie in the sky, one must leave room for interpretation and not delve too deeply into the subject, otherwise it will appear too deliberate.

"The military registers of the entire country have been thoroughly compiled."

Jiang Zhao reached out and passed over several documents, saying slowly, "Nine, ten, eleven, for a period of about ninety days, the main task is to allow the old, weak, sick and disabled to retire and the soldiers to be reorganized."

"Ah."

Zhao Ceying nodded and reached out her hand.

In terms of overall planning, Jiang Zhao is almost in a class of his own.

"what?"

"this--"

Zhao Ceying picked up the document, glanced at it briefly, and couldn't help but be surprised.

Of the several documents, only one concerned the plan for military reform; the other two were not military reform decrees.

The two documents mainly record two parts:
I. Currency Structure.

II. Naval Expansion.

"I wonder what plans or schemes Zichuan has in store?" Zhao Ceying pondered, looking on with a questioning expression.

Both of these decrees are somewhat biased towards long-term planning.

The decree on "currency layout" in particular is truly perplexing.

"A grand plan for unification!" Jiang Zhao's expression turned solemn.

As the Grand Chancellor, Jiang Zhao was extremely busy with state affairs, so his special trip to the palace could not have been solely for the purpose of submitting a military register statistical document.

The main purpose was to submit the several government decrees in hand.

A grand unification strategy?!

Zhao Ceying's body trembled.

That short sentence immediately perked him up.

"Zichuan, could you tell me in detail?" Zhao Ceying sat up straight, steadied himself, and looked down intently.

"The problem of excessive bureaucracy is that the problem of redundant officials has been gradually reduced by the reform of the bureaucracy and can be solved on its own; with the implementation of military reform, the old, weak, sick and disabled soldiers in the army will be discharged and return to their hometowns, and the problem of redundant soldiers can also be solved."

"As for redundant expenses, there is little point in resolving them."

"Thus, the three redundancies are resolved."

The so-called "three redundancies" are essentially a matter of "money".

Excessive military personnel, excessive officials, and excessive expenses will lead to a fiscal deficit and the decline of the nation.

However, in theory, the problem of redundancy has been somewhat alleviated since the establishment of banks.

With over 200 million in deposits, it is sufficient to support any possible fiscal deficit.

Of course, the Ministry of Revenue is the Ministry of Revenue, and the bank is the bank.

Shifting the Ministry of Revenue's fiscal deficit to the banks is not only a temporary fix but also an irresponsible approach.

This is also the significance of the "three redundancies" policy. The new policies implemented for two or three consecutive years were mainly aimed at "addressing the root cause."

To date, apart from redundant expenses, there are signs of resolution regarding redundant officials and redundant soldiers among the three redundant issues.

As for the excessive expenses, the main issue was the expenditure of the imperial clan's stipends. This problem had been dragging on since the end of the second year of the Xifeng reign, and no policy had been implemented to resolve it.

The main reason for this is that the issue of clan stipends is almost unsolvable and there is no need to solve it.

Firstly, as an emperor from the lineage of Emperor Taizu, Zhao Ceying found it difficult to reduce the imperial stipends of Emperor Taizong's lineage.

Secondly, given the current tax revenue of the Ministry of Revenue, allocating six or seven million strings of cash annually to support the imperial family is not an excessive expense.

In the past, the annual tax revenue was only 40 to 50 million strings of cash, and allocating 6 to 7 million strings of cash as stipends was somewhat unaffordable.

Nowadays, with annual tax revenue of 80 to 90 million strings of cash, there's really no need to haggle over a mere 6 to 7 million strings of cash in official salary.

Even if a decree were to be issued, it would simply be a decree of "severing all members of the imperial clan within five degrees of kinship" to prevent the imperial clan from having too many offspring in the future, which would consume too much of the imperial clan's stipend.

The five degrees of mourning extend from the emperor, going back four generations to the great-grandfather, down four generations to the great-great-grandson, and then to the emperor's generation, totaling nine generations who can enjoy the imperial stipend.

The remaining members of the imperial clan, once their lineage extends beyond the fifth degree of kinship, are no longer entitled to the clan stipend and support.

But that's all; the higher-ups are unlikely to take any major action against the Zhao clan.

Therefore, the problems of excessive bureaucracy, redundant policies, and excessive administrative functions may be resolved soon, or there may be no need to resolve them.

"In ancient times, ministers who governed the world would consider ten steps ahead for every step they took."

Jiang Zhao solemnly replied, "The three redundancies have been resolved and are being implemented gradually; it cannot be accomplished in a day. In other time, we must arrange other matters."

"Whether it's people's livelihood, military affairs, the nation's well-being, or—"

"Unification!"

A unified strategic layout!
Zhao Ceying, holding the document, nodded repeatedly: "Zichuan, continue."

His every move revealed an undisguised excitement and agitation.

"In fact, there should have been four decrees."

Jiang Zhao explained, "Besides the monetary policy and naval expansion, there are two other major plans: one is to support the Jurchens, and the other is to develop military equipment."

"However, both of these decrees have been in effect for quite some time, so they were not submitted a second time."

"Among them, supporting the Jurchens was mainly to instigate internal conflicts in the Liao Dynasty one day, and the research and development of military equipment was for more advanced military weapons."

"The remaining two decrees, regarding monetary policy, are intended to impose economic sanctions on the Liao and Xia states."

Jiang Zhao picked up a page and explained one by one: "The Liao and Xia kingdoms were not well-developed in terms of currency, both of which suffered from a 'money shortage' problem and relied heavily on trade for currency."

"There's a lot to discuss on this point."

The "money shortage" problem has always been one of the dilemmas faced by the Great Zhou, but in reality, the Liao and Western Xia were no different.

Both the Liao and Xia dynasties lacked iron and copper mines and had limited coin-minting technology. The currency in circulation relied almost entirely on copper and iron coins transported through trade with the surrounding border regions.

In particular, the Liao Dynasty used a combination of brocade, iron coins, and copper coins as its main currencies.

Even brocade became currency, which shows just how scarce money was there.

Of course, the large amount of coins flowing to the Western Xia and Liao dynasties may also be one of the main reasons for the Zhou dynasty's coin shortage.

"Now, the Great Zhou has gradually shifted towards a system that uses both silver and copper standards, and the national treasury is accumulating a large amount of copper coins."

Jiang Zhao analyzed: "In my opinion, we can allow people at the border markets to trade extensively with the Liao and Xia states, exchanging large amounts of copper coins for horses and grain, thereby reaping material benefits from both countries."

"As a result, the Liao and Xia dynasties had a large number of copper coins circulating among the people, which would inevitably lead to the devaluation of copper coins."

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, we can send a small amount of silver to the Liao and Xia kingdoms to create the illusion of silver scarcity. A small amount of silver, but of high value, can be used to harvest resources a second time."

"With silver at a high price and copper coins at a low price, the people of Liao and Xia would certainly prefer to hoard silver."

"After that, if the two countries go to war, they can send large amounts of silver to the enemy country to purchase copper coins."

"In this way, the silver will increase dramatically, and the silver held by the people of the enemy country will depreciate and become worthless, and the price of grain will naturally rise."

"With copper coins being purchased in large quantities, the value of copper coins in the Liao and Xia states naturally increased, and copper coins could be used to trade with them. This process could be repeated, allowing for the exchange of copper coins for profit."

In short, it is essentially the application of monetary pricing power and the lag effect of economic markets.

Without a large influx of currency, the copper coins of the Liao and Xia dynasties would be "scarce" coins, and their monetary value would be relatively constant.

Suppose that at this time, one string of cash can buy one bushel of grain.

Therefore, considering the lag in the economic market, during the thirty to fifty days when the border trade was sending large amounts of copper coins to the enemy country, the enemy country's copper coins could still buy one shi of grain with one string of cash.

In this way, the supplies were obtained at a "relatively cheap" price.

But once the massive flow of currency ends, the enemy country's economic market will naturally react.

The excessive circulation of copper coins inevitably led to a decrease in their "scarcity," meaning that one string of coins could no longer buy one bushel of grain.

The people did nothing, yet their money was depreciating!
After that, copper coins were no longer scarce, so silver became scarce and could be used to purchase supplies once again.

The difference lies in the fact that silver must be controlled in quantity and concealed as a weapon.

Once the two countries go to war, any border trade can be immediately cancelled, and large amounts of silver can be sent to the enemy's people to buy back the copper coins that were sent last time at a low price.

Copper coins decreased, while silver increased.

The exact same situation: the silver held by the people of the enemy country has been devalued for nothing!
With the devaluation of silver, the price of grain naturally rises for ordinary people.

With this method, one or two harvests would be enough to cause the economies of Liao and Xia to collapse, food to become scarce, conflicts to arise, and rebellions to continue!

"Hi~!"

Zhao Ceying looked at each other in bewilderment.

He didn't quite understand it, but it sounded impressive.

"A good idea!" Zhao Ceying coughed lightly and nodded in approval.

"As for the expansion of the navy, it is mainly for the purpose of expanding the territory of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, which can not only open up the sea battlefield, but also play a role in surprise attacks," Jiang Zhao continued.

“That makes sense.” Zhao Ceying nodded repeatedly.

He understands this!

"Following Zichuan's plan, issue the decree," Zhao Ceying said, waving his hand.

Emperor Zhao listened to whatever Jiang Da Xiang Gong said, and the country became rich and powerful!

……

The conversation between the emperor and his ministers lasted for nearly the time it takes to burn three incense sticks.

September 13th.

In the long corridor, Jiang Zhao let out a long sigh and rubbed the corner of his eye.

Today, if I remember correctly, should be Grandma Sheng's 70th birthday.

Both out of courtesy and reason, I should go and sit for a while.

"Ugh!"

The eldest son has it tough!

It must be exhausting to rule the world!

With a sigh, Jiang Zhao shook his head and strode away, dragging his weary body.

This old man, let whoever wants to do it do it!
Set a small goal: to achieve unification within five years.

Once unification is achieved, he will retire in glory.

Achieve fame and success, leave your mark on history, listen to some tunes, raise cats and play with dogs!

……

The sun is half-hidden, its setting sun piercing the mountains.

Jiying Lane, Sheng Mansion.

The middle door is wide open.

Perhaps because distinguished guests were about to visit, Sheng Hong, Wang Ruofu, Gu Tingye, Cai Jing, Jiang Huaijin, Sheng Hualan, Sheng Minglan, and Sheng Rulan all stood at the door with their hands tied.

Even the nearly seventy-year-old Mrs. Sheng was unusually seen leaning on her cane, gazing intently into the distance.

About half an incense stick's time.

"coming."

With a soft exclamation, Sheng Rulan pointed.

Nearly ten people all turned their attention to the direction.

The carriage, made of elm wood and about ten feet long, was inscribed with the four characters "Merit in All Directions," and purple tassels hung from its beams, displaying its own dignified and imposing manner.

The driver pulled on the reins, and the chestnut horse neighed, stopping its hooves as the wheels gently rolled over the stone slabs.

The curtain was lifted, and a man in his thirties stepped out. He wore a light blue long robe, a leather belt around his waist, a jade pendant hanging from his waist, and a short beard. He was calm and composed, exuding an indescribable air of authority.

"My dear son-in-law." Sheng Hong walked over in a few steps and called out to him in a tone that was neither too loud nor too soft, but rather carried a hint of affection.

The eldest son is thirty-two years old!

Being a father-in-law must be quite stressful!

Jiang Zhao nodded lightly, walked over, and bowed respectfully: "Grandma, Father-in-law, Mother-in-law."

"Hey!"

Wang Ruofu smiled and nodded repeatedly.

Ever since her father was removed from the Imperial Ancestral Temple, her eldest son-in-law, Jiang Zhao, has undoubtedly become her "catchphrase".

My son-in-law is a great prime minister, whose name will be recorded in history, and who will rule the world!
"Eldest brother-in-law."

"Officer."

"Father."

Gu Tingye and Cai Jing were the first to bow, and the rest of the people bowed in greeting.

"Zhao-ge'er, come inside and have your meal," said Old Madam Sheng, her eyes filled with tenderness.

As the eldest son-in-law, Jiang Zhao was undoubtedly very busy.

I arrived at the door at 5 PM (5 PM), and it really was just a simple visit to sit for a while and have a meal.

Even so, given Jiang Zhao's status and position, it was still a great honor for the Sheng family.

"My dear son-in-law, please." Sheng Hong gestured.

"Please." Jiang Zhao smiled faintly and extended his hand.

The father-in-law and son-in-law, along with Old Madam Sheng, walked side by side.

……

(End of this chapter)